K angkong
Production
Kangkong or water convolvulus (Ipomoea
spp.) can be grown successfully both as a
leafy vegetable crop or for seed production
under tropical conditions. For seed produc-
tion, kangkong prefers a long period of
warm weather and good irrigation.
Kangkong can be planted on any type of soil,
but prefers a slightly acidic soil as long as
there is adequate sunlight and water. Low-
land plantings give higher seed yields than
do upland plantings, but take 5–6 months
to complete the seed cycle.
Isolation
Kangkong is considered to be a self-polli-
nated crop, but cross-pollination may occur.
Isolate varieties 100 m apart.
Selection
Select plants that are vigorous, disease-free
and uniform in plant characteristics.
Figs. 25–27. Mature seed pods (left); rolling plants seed plants into loose bundles for drying
(center); mechanical threshing of dried plants (right)
Harvesting
When seed pods are mature (Fig. 25), up-
root plants when dry weather is expected
for several days.
Processing
Remove plant roots with a hoe, and keep
plants in the field for a few days to ensure
that all the seeds will mature at the same
time. The plant mat will then curl into a loose
bundle. Each day, turn the bundles several
times so they dry uniformly (Fig. 26). After
3–4 days of drying, the plants should be fully
dry and ready for threshing. Use an appro-
priate mechanical thresher, such as a belt
thresher (Fig. 27). After threshing, the seed
should be cleaned by winnowing.
Storage
Kangkong seed will store for up to two
years, a shorter time compared to most veg-
etable crops. Storage pests are a problem if
seed moisture content is high.
Saving Your Own Vegetable Seeds | 13